Looking for a Webcam

Category: accessible Devices

Post 1 by CallMeAl (Veteran Zoner) on Wednesday, 11-Mar-2009 20:23:18

Does anyone have recommendations for a decent yet relatively inexpensive webcam for use with a laptop? I don't need a lot of bells and whistles. I just want something I can use in chats, and also as a means of asking someone to read a label if I ever get in a pinch.

Thanks,

Al

Post 2 by Polka dots and Moonbeams (I've now got the bronze prolific poster award! now going for the silver award!) on Saturday, 14-Mar-2009 12:54:50

I have a simple webcam I bought at target for around $25 or so. It works fine, except for the software to run it. Wineyes doesn't like it. Quickcam, I think it is called.

I've tried to google to find third party software to run the camera, with no luck.

Post 3 by CallMeAl (Veteran Zoner) on Sunday, 15-Mar-2009 0:17:24

Interesting. Before I even saw your response, I purchased a Quick Cam on EBay, I'm getting it shipped to my door for like $11.00.

So, what limitations are you dealing with due to the inaccessible software? And, do you really even need the software to make the thing work, or would Windows just support it natively without the software?

TIA,

Al

Post 4 by Polka dots and Moonbeams (I've now got the bronze prolific poster award! now going for the silver award!) on Sunday, 15-Mar-2009 0:22:44

Hmmm, I'm not sure about the last question.

To be honest, I uninstalled the software. I really wasn't using the webcam enough. Window eyes kept saying button button button. It was only when I routed my mouse over could I get some words attached to those buttons.

Please post back, if you have better luck than I.

Post 5 by Polka dots and Moonbeams (I've now got the bronze prolific poster award! now going for the silver award!) on Saturday, 25-Apr-2009 23:11:22

Hey Al, I'm looking for an update. How are things going with the webcam?

Post 6 by forereel (Just posting.) on Monday, 27-Apr-2009 2:24:15

Your going to need the software for any webcam. Logitech is a better compay for kind of accessible instalation, but a trick is most will install if you hit the inter key, most times your on the next button if you don't move things. In Windows XP you can use the add program feature after you insert the disc sometimes as well. Good luck. Once it's installed though you'll be able to run it easy via Skype, MSN messenger, or Yahoo, so maybe simply get sighted help to get it going. Laptops can go anyplace, so take it to a computer store and ask, or a Radio Shack.
Peace.

Post 7 by forereel (Just posting.) on Monday, 27-Apr-2009 2:42:27

I forgot to add that the drivers are much easier to install from the manufactors website for some odd reason. If you know your camera's model number and all simply go to the site and download them. You'll get the updated version as well, because most times software is a bit outdated when you get your device due to storage before it sales.

Peace!